Mary Allen
Senior dogs still need exercise. But the type and scope of the activity must be designed according to the individual needs, fitness, and condition of the dog.
Physical activity is very important in old age, not only for the musculoskeletal system but also for the circulatory system. In addition, the blood circulation in all organs is stimulated and an optimal oxygen supply is guaranteed. Balanced satisfaction creates the associated additional reduction of stress hormones.
It is important to keep a close eye on your four-legged friend, to respond sensitively to his need for activity and not to overwhelm him. Dogs that have been very agile all their lives easily overestimate their strength as they get older. You may even have to slow down such sports cannons.
Untrained senior dogs should never be suddenly exposed to unfamiliar, strenuous activity. An unprepared cold start is also not good because it puts a strain on the cardiovascular system and the musculoskeletal system. «Make sure your dog is always properly warmed up before exercising. Even after physical exertion, he should be able to slowly cool down at a leisurely pace,” explains Ingrid Heindl, a physiotherapist for small animals in Steinhöring, Bavaria.
“Even if the four-legged friend is already suffering from physical complaints, he still doesn’t have to be completely sedated,” Heindl continues. Although temporary rest can be appropriate in the acute phase, in the case of many chronic illnesses, and individually tailored mobility program often even brings about a significant improvement in the symptoms.
Find the Right Measure
Some physiotherapy practices have dog swimming pools or underwater treadmills, the use of which contributes to improved mobility in everyday life. Swimming is generally a very healthy sport for elderly four-legged friends because the smooth movement that is carried out with reduced body weight in the water is easy on the joints and the circulatory system. You can also determine the amount of movement and the speed yourself. On cooler days, however, it is necessary to dry the dog so that it does not catch a cold or develop joint pain.
Daily walks are important for an old dog because sniffing out different smells and contact with other dogs stimulate the senior’s spirit. In addition, exercise in the fresh air strengthens the entire body. The regular movement sequences of a walk are better for an aging four-legged friend than a jog, which he can only keep up with difficulty. Fast-paced games on the go, where the dog has to start and stop abruptly, are not recommended because they put too much strain on the aging musculoskeletal system.
Ingrid Heindl is often asked how much an old dog can still be expected to do. “Short walks of 20 to 30 minutes, two to three times a day, are ideal,” she says. “Unfortunately, many still believe that they keep their seniors fit and that they build muscle if they walk with them for one to two hours at a time.” The opposite is often the case; the exertion causes the dog to tense up and sore muscles are the result. So Heindl recommends: “Better to go for a shorter walk, but more often during the day.”
Also, Pay Attention to the Ground
The two-legged friend should adjust his pace individually to that of the dog. Consideration is needed when the canine senior needs a break along the way. In order for the degree of stress to remain uniform, it is advisable to maintain this continuity even on weekends and holidays. In summer, people prefer to go for a walk in the cool morning and evening hours, because high, muggy temperatures also put a heavy strain on the dog’s circulation. If the four-legged friend already has problems with the musculoskeletal system, soft surfaces such as field, forest, meadow or sandy paths are ideal. Running on hard surfaces such as asphalt, on the other hand, puts enormous strain on intervertebral discs and joints.